E! illustration/Photo courtesy of Glow RecipeIf there's one piece of advice I have for you, in all of my years of beauty writing, it's this: incorporate a face mist into your skincare routine.
Ever since I started misting between every step in my routine, my skin has completely transformed. It's my skincare routine's hidden gem—and I want it to be yours, too!
Back in March, I interviewed Mikaela MacLean, and she was the one to tell me this little beauty secret.
MacLean is a master aesthetian. What does that mean? While both aesthetians and estheticians are very similar, aesthetians focus on medical-grade skincare services while estheticians provide cosmetic and maintenance skincare services like facials and waxing.
While I learned so much about beauty and what would work best for me in my routine, the one thing I really took to heart was misting. She recommended that I mist my face thouroghly after cleansing and before every product.
What it does is prep the skin to fully absorb the next step in your routine. We know that damp skin can maximize the effectiveness of some skincare products—this is just the next logical step to that.
Misting leaves the skin damp enough for that and adds additional hydrating or toning ingredients to take your routine to the next level.
Here's how I do it right now: cleansing, mist, retinol alternative serum, mist, barrier repair serum, mist, hydrating serum, moisturizer, and mist. Your routine can be as long or short as you need it to be, of course—I'm just extra.
While I haven't tried every single mist on the market (I'm working on it), I've tried quite a few.
You can always opt for a mist that's just water (those are the most affordable), but if you're looking for something more effective, then this is your list.
Below, shop top picks for the best face mists to use between every step in your skincare routine.
rhode Glazing Mist Hydrating Face Spray
The rhode mist really is that good. Made with a ceramide trio and magnolia extract, this mist has plenty of antioxidants and hydrating ingredients that reinforce the skin's barrier. The sprayer is a true mist, leaving your face with the most gorgeous glow—no drenching in sight!
Skincare reviewers say: "I absolutely loved this. I’ve had it ever since Rhode launched at Sephora and it has been my favorite thing in the mornings. I use it as skin prep before anything else and it layers beautifully. It does not break me out at all but rather helps my acne."
LILFOX Bitter Orange Brightening Neroli Toning Mist
The LILFOX mist is the one MacLean first recommended to me. Made with pure Neroli, this mist truly made me fall in love with this practice. Not only does it hydrate, brighten, and sooth inflamed skin, it also smells delicious. Like the best citrus you've ever smelled in your life, you'll end up obsessed.
Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Ultra-Fine Mist
Glow Recipe is an iconic brand for a reason—and its mist is no exception. The Watermelon Ultra-Fine Mist is filled with its signature vitamin-rich watermelon formula, along with hyaluronic acid for hydration, and hibiscus AHAs for a subtle exfoliation. If there's one product that can be used as part of your skincare routine, to prep your skin for makeup, and for on-the-go refresher, it's this one.
Caudalie Mini Grape Water Moisturizing Face Mist
I adore this mist. The Caudalie Grape Water Mist has a fantastic formula. With its only ingredient being grape water, this mist is filled with antioxidants that soothe and hydrate your skin, leaving it so fresh and damp.
Skincare reviewers say: "I have incredibly sensitive, reactive skin, the kind that throws a tantrum if you so much as look at it wrong. So when I say I love this mist, I mean it with my whole dehydrated, anxiety-prone heart. Honestly, I wish I didn’t love it so much, because every time I’m running low, I feel actual panic. [...] The fine aerosol spray feels like a soft cloud. It’s not aggressive or drippy, just a gentle whisper across your face. There’s no scent, which is a godsend for reactive skin, and it calms my redness and cheek heat instantly."
Looking for more? Shop Skincare Finds You Need in Your Fall-To-Winter Routine!